This Tiny Over The Water Florida Restaurant Serves Coconut Shrimp People Swear By

Ever noticed how Florida sometimes feels more like a vibe than a destination?

At Squid Lips Overwater Grill, Florida sunshine, river views, pelicans, and even dolphins become part of the meal. Set right over Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, this spot turns dinner into a full waterfront moment.

This is Florida seafood where the view is just as good as the plate.

From coconut shrimp locals love to oak-grilled fish with island flair, every bite tastes like Florida on a perfect day. If you are chasing relaxed Florida energy, scenic dining, and a place that feels instantly memorable, this is it.

Exact Location And How To Get There

Squid Lips Overwater Grill sits at 1660 Indian River Dr, Sebastian, FL 32958, right on the Indian River Lagoon. You will find it just off US-1, where Indian River Drive parallels the water, making the final approach scenic and simple.

Punch the coordinates 27.827037, -80.4722827 into your map and watch the blue swath of lagoon appear as you arrive.

Parking is straightforward in the on-site lot, with overflow along Indian River Drive when weekends get lively. The building itself is unmistakable, a low-slung structure set over pilings with wide decks that hover above the water.

From the street, the sign and the bustle of guests heading toward the dock create a friendly landmark.

If you are coming from Vero Beach, head north on US-1 and turn right toward the river; from Melbourne, glide south then hang a left into Sebastian’s waterfront. Public docks flank the view and the long boardwalk is an instant orientation tool.

By the time you step onto the planks, the lagoon wind has already set the tone. That first glimpse inside confirms you picked the right place.

History, Ownership, And What Locals Know

Squid Lips has been a beloved waterfront staple on the Space Coast for years, with sister locations in nearby cities sharing the same coastal playbook. Public details about the specific founders and early timeline of the Sebastian outpost are limited, so it is safest to say the concept grew around relaxed, over-the-water dining.

What is clear is the restaurant’s sustained local following and steady stream of returning regulars.

Ask around and you will hear how the overwater setting and oak grilled fish became calling cards. Staff names pop up in reviews, a sign that management invests in people and consistency.

Guests describe friendly general managers and attentive teams who remember faces, seat large parties, and keep the vibe upbeat.

Renovations have freshened the decks and river-facing dining areas, preserving a casual personality. The menu’s continuity across locations signals ownership that values proven hits, yet lets each dockside space feel distinct.

While the exact origin story may remain quiet, the restaurant’s legacy is written in familiar dishes and a community that keeps showing up for sunsets. That matters more than a plaque on the wall, especially when dolphins steal the spotlight outside.

Decor, Ambiance, And Waterfront Setting

Step inside and the room opens onto the lagoon like a stage. Canvas flaps and big windows lift to let in the breeze, and the soundscape blends laughter, gulls, and the soft slap of water against pilings.

There is a casual, beach-town rhythm to the layout, with high tops along the perimeter and regular tables pulled toward the view.

Weathered wood, rope accents, and coastal colors underscore the relaxed mood without turning kitschy. The lighting stays warm and low, flattering early dinners and glowing at sunset.

When live music is on, it adds backbeat without drowning conversation, so you can still hear your server describe specials.

Outside, the long boardwalk invites a stroll while waiting for a table, and kids love spotting catfish beneath the planks. On breezy days, you might see pelicans drafting the wind or a dolphin nose cutting the surface.

The whole place feels like a front-row seat to the lagoon. Even on busy nights, the setting serves calm with your meal, and that is its secret sauce.

Menu Overview And Notable Dishes

The menu reads like a coastal road trip with a few playful detours. Starters often include smoked fish dip, conch fritters, bacon-wrapped scallops, crunchy fish bites, and bimini bread for the table.

Salads and sandwiches cover classic cravings, while seafood mains highlight mahi, grouper when available, and daily catches finished on the oak grill.

Guests rave about the coconut shrimp, with a sweet crunch that pairs beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce. The oak grilled preparations, especially with honey-lime, show balanced char and citrus brightness.

Specials occasionally feature seafood lasagna or stuffed flounder, while burgers and wings keep land lovers happy.

Portions trend generous for the price, with the $$ range reflecting casual waterfront value. Side options like seasoned fries, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables round out plates without stealing focus.

Dessert leans classic with key lime pie that finishes cool and bright. If you want a greatest hits tour, start with fish dip and coconut shrimp, then move to oak grilled mahi.

By the time plates land, the scent of the grill and the river breeze seal the deal.

Signature Coconut Shrimp Everyone Talks About

Coconut shrimp is the dish people point to when recommending Squid Lips to first-timers. Expect a golden, shaggy crust that breaks with a gentle snap, revealing plump shrimp inside.

The coconut brings a toasted sweetness that rides alongside a lightly seasoned batter, striking a craveable balance between crisp and juicy.

Portion sizes are satisfying without feeling heavy, especially with a bright dip that adds citrus zip. Texture is the win here: strands of coconut stay crisp to the last bite, so the final shrimp is as satisfying as the first.

If sharing, consider ordering a second plate so nobody negotiates for the last one.

Pair these with something clean and cool, maybe a side salad or the mixed vegetables, to reset your palate. The coconut perfume lingers pleasantly, setting you up for grilled fish or another seafood pick.

It is the kind of appetizer that disappears while you are admiring the view and promising a taste to the friend across the table. Blink and the basket is empty, but the smile sticks around.

Oak Grilled Favorites And Portion Details

The oak grill anchors the savory side of the menu, delivering gentle smoke and a clean char that suits mild fish. Mahi often headlines, with honey-lime sauce adding brightness without masking the fish.

Grouper appears when available, and daily catches rotate, keeping regulars curious and plates seasonal.

Fillets land with tidy grill marks and a glisten that signals juicy interiors. Portions strike a weeknight sweet spot: hearty enough for a full meal, yet balanced so you can still split dessert.

Sides like garlic mashed potatoes or mixed vegetables provide contrast, while seasoned fries satisfy anyone chasing crunch.

If you enjoy texture play, ask for the grill finish slightly more charred for extra snap at the edges. That whisper of oak smoke perfumes each bite and pairs beautifully with citrus-driven sauces.

Order timing tends to be efficient, and plates arrive hot, so take a beat to appreciate steam rising against the lagoon view. It is simple, dialed-in cooking that respects the fish and rewards restraint.

Service, Hours, And Best Times To Visit

Service at Squid Lips reads friendly and practiced, with hosts keeping the flow steady and servers quick with refills and check-ins. Names recur in customer notes, which tells you staff tenure is strong.

Large groups are accommodated with a little planning, and the team communicates wait times honestly during prime sunsets.

Hours run daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, matching the posted schedule: Monday through Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM. Arrive early on weekends if you want perimeter seating with the flaps rolled up to the breeze.

Weekdays offer an easier glide, especially before sunset when the light turns golden and dolphin sightings feel likely.

For the smoothest experience, put your name in and wander the long boardwalk while you wait. The river show keeps everyone cheerful, and the table seems to arrive sooner when you are distracted by pelicans.

Staff stays upbeat even at rush, so a smile and clear requests go a long way. It is hospitality that feels neighborly, shaped by the water and the weather.

Prices, Value, And Practical Tips For Newcomers

Prices sit comfortably in the $$ range, and the view adds value you can feel the moment you sit down. Portions are generous on staples like burgers, shrimp baskets, and salads, while seafood specials track market realities.

If you are budget-minded, share an appetizer, then split an oak grilled entrée with an extra side to keep costs friendly.

Ask about daily features and fresh catches, then decide between inside breeze or outside glow, depending on weather. Perimeter high tops go fast, but every seat angles toward the water.

If you have kids in tow, the boardwalk offers a built-in stretch break while waiting for your name to be called.

Parking is easiest earlier in the evening, and a quick call can confirm current wait times. Servers handle modifications with grace, so do not hesitate to tailor sides.

Most of all, leave time to stroll the dock after you finish coconut shrimp or key lime pie. The restaurant feels like a little vacation, and the soft river wind is the perfect send-off back to the mainland.